Rocks Off
The Rolling Stones Lyrics
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I hear you talking
When I'm on the street
Your mouth don't move
But I can hear you speak
What's the matter with the boy?
Is he checking out for sure?
Is he gonna close the door on me?
I'm always hearing voices
On the street
I want to shout
But I can't hardly speak
I was making love last night
To a dancer friend of mine
I can't seem to stay in step
Come every time that she pirouettes over me
And I only get my rocks off
While I'm dreaming
I only get my rocks off
While I'm sleeping
I'm zipping through the days
At lightning speed
Plug in, flush out
And fire the fuckin' feed
Heading for the overload
Splattered on the dirty road
Kick me like you've kicked before
I can't even feel the pain no more
But I only get my rocks off
While I'm dreaming
I only get my rocks off
While I'm sleeping
Feel so hypnotized, can't describe the scene
It's all mesmerized, all that inside me
The sunshine bores the daylights out of me
Chasing shadows, moonlight mystery
Heading for the overload
Splattered on the dirty road
Kick me like you've kicked before
I can't even feel the pain no more
And I only get my rocks off
While I'm dreaming
I only get my rocks off
While I'm sleeping
And I only get my rocks off
While I'm dreaming
And I only get my rocks off
While I'm sleeping
Only get them off
Only get them off
Get them off
Only get them off, get them off
Only get them off
The Rolling Stones' "Rocks Off" is an engaging expression of the inner fears and insecurities faced by the singer, channeled through the collective consciousness of drug culture in the 1970s. The opening lines suggest that the singer, perhaps strung out on drugs, can hear the voices of others in his head, indicating his paranoia and delusions. The lines "I was making love last night to a dancer friend of mine... Come every time that she pirouettes over me" suggest that the singer is on the verge of a mental breakdown, unable to distinguish reality from fantasy. Moreover, he states, "The sunshine bores the daylights out of me, chasing shadows moonlight mystery," as if he is morbidly fascinated with his pathetic existence, merely seeking the next temporary high. He implies, "I only get my rocks off while dreaming," that he longs for escape from the limitations of his existence; the only time he finds any semblance of relief is when he is disconnected from his own reality.
The song symbolizes the hedonistic lifestyle of the rock culture of the time, demonstrating the nihilism and excess of '70s rock culture. It also suggests that the addiction and ego-driven nature of rock and roll are largely illusory, with many musicians being plagued by their consciousness's and fears of mortality. Ultimately, the song is a commentary on the destructive nature of drug addiction and debauchery, even among those who seem to have it all.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yeah
Expressing excitement or agreement
I hear you talking
When I'm on the street
Your mouth don't move
But I can hear you speak
Feeling paranoid and like people are talking about you behind your back
What's the matter with the boy?
He don't come around no more
Is he checking out for sure?
Is he gonna close the door on me?
Wondering why someone has been absent and if they're avoiding you specifically
I'm always hearing voices
On the street
I want to shout
But I can't hardly speak
Feeling overwhelmed and unable to express yourself
I was making love last night
To a dancer friend of mine
I can't seem to stay in step
Come every time that she pirouettes over me
Having trouble keeping up with and satisfying a sexual partner who is more experienced or skilled
And I only get my rocks off
While I'm dreaming
I only get my rocks off
While I'm sleeping
Only experiencing pleasure or fulfillment in dreams, and having a hard time finding satisfaction in real life
I'm zipping through the days
At lightning speed
Plug in, flush out
And fire the fuckin' feed
Moving quickly through life, numbing oneself with technology and distractions
Heading for the overload
Splattered on the dirty road
Kick me like you've kicked before
I can't even feel the pain no more
Feeling overwhelmed and beaten down, but also desensitized to pain and hardship
Feel so hypnotized, can't describe the scene
It's all mesmerized, all that inside me
The sunshine bores the daylights out of me
Chasing shadows, moonlight mystery
Feeling disconnected from reality and searching for something more stimulating and exciting
And I only get my rocks off
While I'm dreaming
I only get my rocks off
While I'm sleeping
Repeating the idea that they only find fulfillment in dreams
And I only get my rocks off
While I'm dreaming
And I only get my rocks off
While I'm sleeping
Only get them off
Only get them off
Get them off
Only get them off, get them off
Only get them off
Repeating the refrain and emphasizing the idea that dreams are the only source of satisfaction
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@babybird202
Possibly the most overlooked Stones masterpiece Truly embodies everything that is them
@roberthart5435
🎯
@Lunatic4Bizcas
¡ Absolutely ! ☝
@shavingdave1
Agree!
@jkbenedict
Agreed along with Jigsaw Puzzle of Beggars Banquet.
@ronfreeman5857
Got the raw, Stones sound..
@mikeroby1313
"The sunshine bores the daylight out of me" is one of the most sublime, perfect verses in the general idiom of pop or rock-n-roll music.
@karlbuch1114
It's a great line
@chipzigrossi
Chasing shadows moonlight mystery………fantastic✌
@kilgoretrout6136
Finally someone who sees this!!!! It's a brilliant verse.